POTATO MARKET

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 10

POTATO MARKET

Sharp Advance In Price Unlikely AUCKLAND OPINION Dominion Special Service. AUCKLAND, -March 12. While anv move to raise the retail price of potatoes following the 'decision to import 1000 tons into Australia durin"' the next four weeks would be most unpopular with Auckland housewives, opinion in the city is that there is not likely to be any drastic advance. It is doubtful if any large quantities will be shipped from New Zealaud, as supplies are particularly short. The price of potatoes at present, which ranges from £l2/10/- to £l3 a ton, is the highest which has ruled at this time of the year for a considerable period. At this time last year prices were about £8 to £B/10/-. The retail price at present is about 51b. for 1/-. Values for potatoes have been exceptionally high for a considerable time, due largely to the short crop in New Zealand. In addition, export to Australia has been rumoured for some months, and values for forward deliveries from the South Island are high. The opinion that prices will not show a sharp advance is based on the fact that they have already been raised on account of the projected export to Australia. , , Supplies throughout New Zealand are very short, and merchants express the opinion that it will be difficult to fin'd any surplus to export to Australia within the next four weeks. Most of the stocks are .now coming from Raugitikei but there has been a heavy drain on this district, and only small quantities arc left.

A few small lots are available from Obakiine, and, should there be some rain, the crop at Pukekobe may be ready within a fortnight. Most of the potatoes for export are drawn from the South island, but the crop will not be available for about a mouth,' when it will be too late for shipment to Australia.

It is understood that certain purchases have been made from the South Island for export 'to the Commonwealth, but it is believed that these are not to be shipped till April. It is extremely doubtful whether any of the South Island potatoes will be ready in time to be shipped under the present agreement, which only covers a month. Merchants, therefore, are of the opinion that New Zealand will not be able to assist in any great degree in relieving the present shortage in Australia.